statement654

Australia welcomes President Rouhani’s positive statements on freedom of expression and non-discrimination, and urges Iran to implement these commitments.

Australia is deeply concerned by the ongoing use of capital punishment for a wide range of offences in Iran, particularly those committed by juvenile offenders. Australia recommends Iran establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty, and in particular cease all planned execution of juvenile offenders and prohibit the imposition of the death penalty for crimes committed by minors.

Australia is deeply concerned by Iran’s use of intimidation and arbitrary arrest. Restrictions on legitimate forms of freedom of expression, including media freedom and internet access, also continue. Australia recommends Iran guarantee the right to legitimate freedom of expression, association and assembly, and release political prisoners, including activists, lawyers and journalists, detained solely for exercising these rights.

Australia is concerned by reports of continued ill-treatment of minority ethnic and religious communities in Iran. Australia recommends Iran cease all discrimination against members of religious and ethnic minorities, including Baha’is, Dervishes, Christians, Ahwazi Arabs, Balochs and Kurds, and ensure respect for freedom of religion.

Australia recommends Iran cooperate fully with UN human rights mechanisms, including by inviting the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran to the country.